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Toxocariasis

Toxocariasis is a rare infection caused by eating roundworm larvae. It is a zoonotic infection, which means that it is transmitted from animals to humans. In this case, cats and dogs deposit roundworm eggs into soil, and, after the roundworm eggs mature into larvae, people inadvertently eat them. Most of the time, kids become infected when they play in, or eat, dirt, but anyone can get them from food grown in contaminated soil. You cannot get toxocariasis directly from cats or dogs.

What causes toxocariasis?

Toxocariasis is an infection of roundworms from the poo of cats and dogs. Your child cannot get the infection directly from a cat or a dog. She has to get the infection from soil where cats and dogs have done their business. Roundworm eggs are transmitted to soil when a cat or dog poos, and the eggs mature into larvae. Your child then eats the larvae during outdoor play or by eating food grown in contaminated soil.

Is toxocariasis serious?

Toxocariasis is rarely serious. Many people who have the infection never even know it. Only in very severe infections, are complications likely to occur, and may include eye disease and swelling of the organs or central nervous system.

Can I prevent toxocariasis?

There are several ways you can prevent toxocariasis. Teach your kids to wash their hands after play and before eating. Wash all vegetables before eating them, and wash your own hands when you are preparing food. Preventing toxocariasis also involves caring for your cats and dogs. Make sure that you treat worm infestations in your animals and make sure that young kittens and puppies are treated. Clean your pets' living areas weekly and bag all outdoor waste properly for disposal.

How do I know if my child has toxocariasis?

You probably won't, unless the infection is severe. Kids under six are most commonly affected. Infected children might experience skin rashes, eye problems, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pain, and abdominal pain. Symptoms can persist for a year or more.

How do I treat toxocariasis?

Toxocariasis is treated with drugs that kill the parasites. Severe toxocariasis is treated through measures designed to prevent blindness and inflammation of the organs, and depends on the type of infection.

Should I call the doctor?

Your doctor can do a blood test to confirm the presence of roundworm larvae. Once your child has been diagnosed with toxocariasis, your doctor will prescribe treatment.